Abstract

VITAMIN C AND SKIN PROTECTION

*Ali Hassan A. Ali

ABSTRACT

Background: Vitamin C has a major role in maintenance of skin health. Vitamin C extract has been included as dietary supplement along with other supplements and can reduce the oxidizing effects of toxic substances. Aim of the work: This study aimed to explore the histological and histochemical changes in the skin of male albino rats after exposure to gamma radiation and the potential protective effect of Vitamin C. Methods: The current study was conducted on 30 adult male albino rats. They were divided into 3 equal groups. Control group (C) did not receive any treatment. Radiotherapy group (R) rats exposed to a single dose of gamma-radiation. Radiotherapy + Vitamin C Group (R+V) had rats treated with Vitamin C extract in a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight daily one week before and one week afterirradiation. Histopathological and histochemical changes in skin were studied by different stains. Results: Rats exposed to gamma radiation showed several histological and histochemical changes in their skin. These changes were improved by using Vitamin C extract.Conclusion: The present work showed Vitamin C had preventive and therapeutic effect upon skins of albino rats against radiation induced skin damage.

Keywords: Vitamin C, Albino rats, Radiation, Skin injury.